EyeToy Era Gameplay Is Making a Comeback, And No One Really Noticed

One intriguing aspect of the Nintendo Switch 2 that isn’t often talked about harks back to our nostalgic PlayStation 2 era, as the enhanced edition of Super Mario Jambree seems to echo the interactive gaming experience we had with EyeToy.

If you’re not familiar, this device predates both the Nintendo Wii and Xbox Kinect, marking the beginning of a period known as casual gaming. This device was especially popular in Europe, though it was distributed globally.

In many EyeToy games, you needed to move your arms around to accomplish basic tasks such as cleaning windows or bouncing balls.

As a dedicated enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at the array of minigame collections that graced the screen of Sony’s innovative camera system. Not only did Sony itself release several captivating compilations, but esteemed publishers like SEGA also joined the fray, contributing their own unique offerings to this vibrant gaming landscape.

In a fair assessment, the new Switch 2 camera appears significantly advanced, boasting capabilities similar to those found in Microsoft Teams, where it can effectively separate your body from its background.

Yet, the mini-games bear a striking resemblance to the EyeToy period, be it the act of smashing power blocks or precariously perching Goombas atop your head.

This type of gameplay differs from Xbox Kinect in that it integrates a live video feed of you directly into the game, rather than translating your movements into a 3D avatar.

Revisiting the recent Nintendo Direct brought a bit of nostalgia, since we hold a fond affection for the EyeToy games from the past. However, it’s clear why Sony chose to let go of that technology as it belongs to history.

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2025-04-08 18:06